Official opening of the canonisation process

posted 17 Jan 2014, 01:49 by Stefan Gigacz

Archbishop AJ Léonard officially constituted the Ecclesiastical Tribunal to study the cause for canonisation of Cardinal Joseph Cardijn at a meeting at the archdiocesan centre in Mechelen on 16 January 2014.

Mgr Stefaan Van Calster will act as episcopal delegate (president) of the tribunal. Trade union leader Guy Tordeur was appointed as Postulator while Fr Felix Van Meerbergen is Vice-Postulator.

Fr Tim Peeters, a canon lawyer for the Mechelen-Brussels Archdiocese, was appointed as Promoter of Justice.

Ms Els Van Mulders acted as Notary for the installation of the tribunal and Mr Chris Van Houte will take on the role for the remainder of the process.

Five theologians, six historians and an official translator were also appointed.

The first stage of the process involves documenting Cardijn's life and gathering testimonies from those who knew him. Once compiled a report will be sent to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome. If approved by the Holy See, Cardijn will first be declared a Servant of God.

Documented miracles are required for the beatification and canonisation stages.